The Fleece of Their Flock: Homespun & the American Identity

frugality, and good sense. 13 It signified equality, democracy,
and a departure from European vices. Additionally, those
who wore this attire were seen as valuing natural beauty
over the artificial variety, and “masculine” sturdiness over
“feminine” unpredictability.
The popular opinion of fashion was changing at this time, and Founding Father
Samuel Adams articulated these concerns with a warning of the causal
relationship between the ruling class and the people:
Should Levity & Foppery ever be the ruling Taste of the Great, the Body of
the People would be in Danger of catching the Distemper, and the ridiculous
Maxims of the one would become fashionable among the other. I pray
God we may never be addicted to Vanity & the Folly of Parade! Pomp &
Show serve very well to promote the Purposes of European & Asiatick grandeur,
in Countries where the Mystery of Iniquity is carried to the highest
Pitch […]. If Men of Wisdom & Knowledge, of Moderation & Temperance, of
Patience Fortitude & Perseverance, of Sobriety & true Republican Simplicity
of Manners, of Zeal for the Honor of the Supreme Being & the Welfare of the
Common Wealth — If Men possessd of these & other excellent Qualities are
chosen to fill the Seats of Government we may expect that our Affairs will
rest on a solid & permanent Foundation. 14
After denouncing sinful foppery, vanity, and caprice, Adams recommends
perseverance, simplicity, and moderation as constructive examples for the
young nation. The “Sobriety & true Republican Simplicity” he speaks of can
be seen in the 1772 portrait of Adams himself. His red-brown wool suit is
devoid of embroidery or metallic braid; aside from the shadows rendered by
the artist, his attire features very little contrast and draws minimal attention.
Adams’ linen shirt ends in a modest ruffle at each cuff; both his hair and
stock are neatly and simply arranged. 15
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